Private bailiffs to face tougher rules under new reforms

The government has announced tougher enforcement regulations for bailiffs.

Under government proposals, private bailiffs will be held to professional standards, while those facing enforcement action will have access to an independent complaints process.

The news comes as the government is exploring measures to improve bailiff recruitment and retention.

Responsibility must come high standards

Under the plans, private bailiffs operating in England and Wales would be required to come under the oversight of the Enforcement Conduct Board.

The board was established in 2022 as a voluntary regulator for the sector. While most bailiff firms have chosen to sign up, participation is not currently a legal requirement.

Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman, said: “Bailiffs have an important job to do, but with that responsibility must come high standards. When someone is already struggling with debt, the last thing they should face is intimidating behaviour, unfair treatment or being pushed into excessive repayment arrangements they cannot afford.

“That’s why we’re strengthening the rules. All private bailiffs will have to meet proper, professional standards and will be subject to independent oversight, giving people greater protection and somewhere to turn when things go wrong.”

Record waiting times for landlords

As previously reported by Property118, landlords are facing the longest court waiting times in 20 years despite a drop in possession claims.

Founder of Landlord Action, Paul Shamplina, said: “Although headline possession claims have fallen, the reality on the ground is that the system is taking longer to deliver outcomes.

“Years of underinvestment in the courts are now translating into record waiting times for landlords.”